Low Interest 
Septic System Loans


Image courtesy of MN extension service.

$446,000 available to Cottonwood River Watershed residents with non-compliant septic systems.

$363,000 available to Redwood River Watershed residents with non-compliant septic systems.

That’s right! Just under $450,000 is available among the 4 of the 5 counties located within the Cottonwood River Watershed.  Residents of Brown, Cottonwood, Lyon and Redwood Counties who are also located within the Cottonwood River Watershed are eligible to apply for a low-interest loan to upgrade an existing, non-compliant, private septic system.  (Murray County has used all their funds for the Cottonwood River Watershed)

Cottonwood River Watershed

County Money Available*
          Brown      $50,000
          Cottonwood      $81,000
          Lyon      $95,000
          Redwood      $220,000

*As of January 1, 2006

$363,000 is still available among the 6 counties that make up the Redwood River Watershed.  Residents of Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood and Yellow Medicine Counties who are also located within the Redwood River Watershed are eligible to apply for a low-interest loan to upgrade an existing, non-compliant, private septic system.

Redwood River Watershed

County Money Available*
          Lincoln      $81,000
          Lyon      $122,000
          Murray      $30,000
          Pipestone      $36,000
          Redwood      $46,000
          Yellow Medicine      $48,000

*As of January 1, 2006

These loans will be added directly to your property tax statement at a low interest rate, with loans available for 5 or 10 year terms.  Rates vary by county, call your local county environmental office for current rate information.  All monies are made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Septic system “non-compliance” occurs when wastewater is allowed to come in contact with people or is allowed to enter the natural environment before it is rendered harmless.  Some common indicators of a “non-compliant” septic system include:

Ř       Sewage backup into a residence.

Ř       Water or sewage surfacing in the yard or nearby ditch.

Ř       Sewage odors indoors or outdoors.

Ř       High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in well water tests.

Ř       Frequent intestinal disorders.

Ř       Algae blooms and excessive plant growth in nearby ponds or lakes.

Septic systems can also be overloaded when the number of residents in a building increases dramatically or if average water usage is greatly increased. 

It is recommended that septic systems be pumped at least every 3 years.

* Please note, these monies are NOT available for new construction septic systems.

 

If you have questions or would like to apply, contact your local county environmental office, or call RCRCA at 507-637-2142, ext. 4.

 

For more information about septic systems from:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
 National Environmental Services Center
University of Minnesota Water Resources Center - Information for Homeowners
Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Contractors Association
Minnesota Extension Service - Septic System Owner's Guide
State of Minnesota Law on Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS)
        - Under MPCA Rules Chapter 7080.XXX
        - Under MN State Statue Chapter 115.XXX

 

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Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA)
1241 East Bridge Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone:  507-637-2142, ext. 4
Fax:  507-637-2134
E-mail:  rcrca2day@yahoo. com